2016 Ford Focus RS

[Dave-ROR]

Originally Posted by glamcem

this car looks really good on paper, the only two things that bug me :
- Brake-biased torque vectoring system: I wish they offered a more advanced system like the one in Evolution X and the GT-R (both share the same type of mechanical torque vectoring)
- The price, $36k MSRP is a bit steep since it's the Camaro SS and Mustang GT territory but if the car can be purchased for low 30s (which I don't see it happening anytime soon) it would be a better deal IMO

It's only brake-biased up front. It is still a FWD biased/based vehicle.


The price is in line with it's actual competitors (other AWD sport sedans/hatchbacks like the Golf R, STI, etc).


I'd love low 30s also, but probably not realistic for a 350hp/350tq AWD hatchback.

[glamcem]

Originally Posted by Dave-ROR

It's only brake-biased up front. It is still a FWD biased/based vehicle.


The price is in line with it's actual competitors (other AWD sport sedans/hatchbacks like the Golf R, STI, etc).


I'd love low 30s also, but probably not realistic for a 350hp/350tq AWD hatchback.

yikes, if that's the case that's a major disadvantage for those who want to track these cars..I personally don't like the clutch pack differential systems but prefer mechanical/torsen type systems.. my friend had to change his LSDs on his both Miata and Camaro 1LE because of that

speaking of the price I feel that the price tag on Golf R s and STIs are not that competitive as much as they used to be also ..back in 2003 both STI and Evo brought so much power and car for the money and they were direct competitors of M3s and even base Corvette so they were real bargain..
that's not the case anymore, V6 Camaro now makes 330+hp and weighs about the same and has a starting MSRP of mid to high $20Ks .. also let's not forget that most people will consider this car as "domestic" and would expect deep incentives like other Ford cars, even if we believe it's worth the price.. so paying over MSRP doesn't really make any sense to me (financially)

[Dave-ROR]

Originally Posted by glamcem

yikes, if that's the case that's a major disadvantage for those who want to track these cars..I personally don't like the clutch pack differential systems but prefer mechanical/torsen type systems.. my friend had to change his LSDs on his both Miata and Camaro 1LE because of that

speaking of the price I feel that the price tag on Golf R s and STIs are not that competitive as much as they used to be also ..back in 2003 both STI and Evo brought so much power and car for the money and they were direct competitors of M3s and even base Corvette so they were real bargain..
that's not the case anymore, V6 Camaro now makes 330+hp and weighs about the same and has a starting MSRP of mid to high $20Ks .. also let's not forget that most people will consider this car as "domestic" and would expect deep incentives like other Ford cars, even if we believe it's worth the price.. so paying over MSRP doesn't really make any sense to me (financially)

I don't mind clutch pack ones if done well. My 20 year old BMW clutch diff still works just fine - but it's not all fancy and electronic.

Paying over MSRP *never* makes sense.


Huge grain of salt of course until the car is in others hands, but Ford Performance engineers have admitted privately that they stopped using the EVO for comparison as it was no longer a comparison. These are Ford employees so again a huge grain of salt, but supposedly the RS makes them look slow on track.


We shall see eventually.

[raven1231]

Originally Posted by Dave-ROR

I don't mind clutch pack ones if done well. My 20 year old BMW clutch diff still works just fine - but it's not all fancy and electronic.


Paying over MSRP *never* makes sense.

It sure as hell doesn't. In most cases even paying MSRP doesn't make sense. People are so impatient and constantly seek instant gratification and as a result do some pretty stupid shit.

[Dave-ROR]

Originally Posted by raven1231

It sure as hell doesn't. In most cases even paying MSRP doesn't make sense. People are so impatient and constantly seek instant gratification and as a result do some pretty stupid shit.

Agreed. Sadly Ford hasn't actually announced official production numbers so MSRP is about the best one can do currently. Probably next year they'll go for less than MSRP, by next year I actually mean 2017 (second model year). I don't see it happening much, if at all, at first due to limited run and possibly no retail orders - just allocation based on other Ford Performance model sales.

[raven1231]

Originally Posted by Dave-ROR

I don't mind clutch pack ones if done well. My 20 year old BMW clutch diff still works just fine - but it's not all fancy and electronic.

Paying over MSRP *never* makes sense.


Huge grain of salt of course until the car is in others hands, but Ford Performance engineers have admitted privately that they stopped using the EVO for comparison as it was no longer a comparison. These are Ford employees so again a huge grain of salt, but supposedly the RS makes them look slow on track.


We shall see eventually.

Yeah, for a limited run like this I could probably justify paying MSRP, nothing over however. It will be interesting to see how many Ford plans on producing the first year.

[glamcem]

Originally Posted by Dave-ROR

I don't mind clutch pack ones if done well. My 20 year old BMW clutch diff still works just fine - but it's not all fancy and electronic.

Paying over MSRP *never* makes sense.


Huge grain of salt of course until the car is in others hands, but Ford Performance engineers have admitted privately that they stopped using the EVO for comparison as it was no longer a comparison. These are Ford employees so again a huge grain of salt, but supposedly the RS makes them look slow on track.


We shall see eventually.

yes, it's really hard to tell before seeing the track results .. I will most likely consider getting a new Camaro SS 1LE in alpha platform (when they release) or the GT350/GT350R if it leaves up the hype but if Focus RS turns out to be a good track car and be purchased for low $30k s it might also be a good option

[Dave-ROR]

Originally Posted by glamcem

yes, it's really hard to tell before seeing the track results .. I will most likely consider getting a new Camaro SS 1LE in alpha platform (when they release) or the GT350/GT350R if it leaves up the hype but if Focus RS turns out to be a good track car and be purchased for low $30k s it might also be a good option

Base RS will likely be 33k or so in 2017 if they produce enough. Kinda like the BRZ/FRS are basically invoice or less these days.


The GT350 is awesome on track

[glamcem]

Originally Posted by Dave-ROR

Base RS will likely be 33k or so in 2017 if they produce enough. Kinda like the BRZ/FRS are basically invoice or less these days.


The GT350 is awesome on track

it looks like it but the new Camaro also looks pretty good especially since it uses the lighter alpha platform, since base GT350 (without the proper engine and transmission cooler) is out of question and the track pack adds about additional $6k and the fact that even the base Camaro SS comes with those goodies it's really hard to tell at the moment but I do love the idea of being able to rev up a V8 to 8300rpm

[Dave-ROR]

Originally Posted by glamcem

it looks like it but the new Camaro also looks pretty good especially since it uses the lighter alpha platform, since base GT350 (without the proper engine and transmission cooler) is out of question and the track pack adds about additional $6k and the fact that even the base Camaro SS comes with those goodies it's really hard to tell at the moment but I do love the idea of being able to rev up a V8 to 8300rpm

I hate the Camaro due to the high beltline and lack of visibility. Terrible design IMO.


Granted I haven't driven one on track yet, but the visibility, seating position, etc of the GT350 was much better. And the sound of that motor at 8,200RPM is pretty damn awesome. Turn in and grip of the GT350 is pretty damn amazing. Turn in is about as sharp and quick as the BRZ which is crazy considering it's massive bulk.


I just don't have the cash for one with the markups and shit and even at MSRP that would be more than I want to spend on a car.

[glamcem]

Originally Posted by Dave-ROR

I hate the Camaro due to the high beltline and lack of visibility. Terrible design IMO.


Granted I haven't driven one on track yet, but the visibility, seating position, etc of the GT350 was much better. And the sound of that motor at 8,200RPM is pretty damn awesome. Turn in and grip of the GT350 is pretty damn amazing. Turn in is about as sharp and quick as the BRZ which is crazy considering it's massive bulk.


I just don't have the cash for one with the markups and shit and even at MSRP that would be more than I want to spend on a car.

I agree with the visibility on the camaro but it's not a deal breaker for me GM obviously did a great job on the chassis and the suspension (especially on the Z28) I know two guys both own a 1LE (one of them did a complete Z28 conversion) and another guy with a Mustang GT (not the new one).. IMO, both GT350 and the newer Camaros have their pros and cons.. push rod LS engines are also good for making great torque and lower center gravity, turn in is also great on the Camaro 1LE and the Z28 so I am pretty sure it has to do with the square setup and the sophisticated suspension setup they have been advancing for years..it will be a tough choice when the time comes

[Packofcrows]

Front looks like WRX/Lancer.

[mn_ca]

#s are excellent, exterior itself isn't attractive.

[weederr33]

Originally Posted by Dave-ROR

Sorry for the delay..

pics and stuff. @dalli

This is the stealth gray color.

edit: I'm a retard with links today, fixing links. fixed....?

Wow I thought the car looked great in the frost white, but this grey is pretty nice too!